Lined valve

ABSTRACT

A modular lining system for a valve body for use in fluid handling systems including fluid transport tankers, and a method for lining a valve body using the modular lining system. The lining system is slidably inserted into the valve body to protect the valve body from corrosive or other damaging materials. The liners are placed such that they are easily removable for cleaning or replacing when damaged. An actuator comprising a piston is actuated within one of the liners to selectively allow and stop fluid flow.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 60/639,669, filed Dec. 28, 2004, and herebyincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to valves used in fluid handling systemsincluding fluid transport tankers and, more particularly, to a valvehaving a modular lining system that protects the metallic valvecomponents from adverse effects of contact with corrosive fluids,wherein the lining is easily cleaned and easily replaced when damaged.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fluid handling systems are often used in handling corrosive materials orproducts that must be maintained in a high state of purity. One type offluid handling system includes bulk fluid transport tankers. Fluidtankers and associated piping and valve components are typically made ofstainless steel or other corrosion resistant metallic material. Sometanks are passivated at predetermined time intervals to maintain aprotective coat on the tank interior to help increase corrosionresistance. However, tankers are often used to carry acids and corrosivechemicals that will attack virtually any type of metal over a period oftime. Examples of such fluids include hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoricacid, ferric chloride, and bleach, to name a few. Transport of thesechemicals requires that the tank surfaces and associated components areprotected from adverse effects of contact with the cargo by a liningmaterial. Typical tank lining materials are natural rubber, chlorobutyl,or hypalon. The associated piping and valves have also been lined.

Efforts have been made to develop a lined valve to use with suchapplications. These prior art lined valves typically have a liningpermanently affixed (i.e. bonded, molded) to the interior of the valve.This creates a problem if the lining of the permanently lined valve isdamaged, as the entire valve will need to be replaced.

Another problem is that the tank and tank valves must be cleanedperiodically, especially when the tank will be used to transport adifferent chemical. The new chemical may react with the previouslytransported chemical which may not have been completely removed from thetank or valve components. The prior art permanently lined valves aredifficult to clean within the confines of the valve.

The lining material typically used in prior art valves are relativelysoft and somewhat flexible. The valves are typically designed so thatthe various lining pieces seal against each other. This can lead to coldflow and eventual leaking of the valve.

Another limitation of prior art valves involves the flow blocking device(butterfly disc, diaphragm, rotary plug, or ball), which is alsotypically coated with a permanently affixed lining material. If thelining on the flow blocking device is damaged, the entire valve needs tobe replaced. Also, the permanent coating increases the thickness of theflow blocking device thereby reducing the volume of fluid flow.

Accordingly, there is need for providing an improved lined valve overcurrent known valves that overcomes one or more of these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes at least one disadvantage of the priorart by providing a valve comprising a valve body comprising a tubularfirst body portion having a first end and a second end, and a tubularsecond body portion affixed to and intersecting the first body portion,the second body portion having a first end distal from the first bodyportion; a tubular first lining removably positioned in the first bodyportion; a tubular second lining removably positioned in the second bodyportion, the second lining sealingly engaging an aperture in the firstlining; and an actuator removably attached to the first end of the firstbody portion or the first end of the second body portion, the actuatorcomprising means for selectively stopping and allowing fluid flowthrough the valve.

The present invention further overcomes at least one disadvantage of theprior art by providing a method of assembling lining into a valve bodycomprising a cylindrical first body portion having a first end and asecond end, and a cylindrical second body portion intersecting the firstbody portion, the second body portion having a first end distal from thefirst body portion, the method comprising the steps of slidablyinserting a non-metallic first lining into the outlet end of the firstbody portion such that the first lining extends from the outlet end tothe actuator attachment end of the first body portion; slidablyinserting a non-metallic second lining into the inlet end of the secondbody portion such that the second lining sealingly engages an aperturein the first lining and such that the second lining extends from thesealed engagement with the first lining to the inlet end of the secondbody portion; slidably inserting a non-metallic piston of an actuatorinto the first lining or the second lining; and attaching the actuatorto the end of the corresponding body portion.

These and other advantages will be apparent upon a review of thedrawings and detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention will now be described in further detail with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational side view of an end portion of a tanker trailerof a type usable with the valve of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational end view of an end portion of the tankertrailer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the valve of thepresent invention in a valve open condition;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 3 shown in a valveclosed condition;

FIG. 5 is an elevational end view of the valve of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional exploded view showing the modular liningcomponents and the valve body and how the modular lining components areremoved from the valve body and how they are inserted into the valvebody.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention will now be described in detail with reference to variousembodiments thereof. Referring now to FIG. 1, an end portion of a tankertrailer 110 is shown. Tanker trailer 110 typically has a stainless steelcargo tank 112 which may be used for transporting fluids includingacids, solvents or other chemicals. When hauling these types ofmaterials, the interior 114 of tank 112 is typically lined to protectthe tank from adverse effects of contact with the cargo. Typically thesetank interiors 114 are lined with natural rubber, chlorobutyl, orhypalon. Piping 116 is shown attached to tank 112 for loading/unloadingthe cargo. The piping 116 is also preferably lined. Associated with thepiping 116, valve 118 is shown in a typical position where the valve ofthe present invention may be utilized.

The lined valve assembly 10 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3in a valve open condition, in FIG. 4 in a valve closed position, and inFIG. 5 in an outlet end view. The valve assembly 10 comprises a metallicvalve body 20 comprising a cylindrical first body portion 30 having anoutlet end 32 and an actuator attachment end 34, and a cylindricalsecond body portion 40 fixably attached and intersecting the first bodyportion 30 in a generally perpendicular position, the second bodyportion having an inlet end 42 distal from first body portion 30.Although shown herein as a ninety degree elbow, it is contemplated thatother valve configurations could be used with the present invention. Thevalve assembly 10 further comprises a cylindrical first non-metalliclining 50 removably positioned in the first body portion 30 andextending from the outlet end 32 to the actuator attachment end 34 ofthe first body portion 30. A cylindrical second non-metallic lining 60is removably positioned in the second body portion 40. A seal 80 on aleading end 62 of the second lining 60 sealingly engages an aperture 52in the first lining 50. The second lining 60 extends from the engagementwith the first lining 50 to the inlet end 42 of the second body portion40. The valve assembly 10 further comprises a means 70 for selectivelypreventing and allowing fluid flow between the outlet 32 and the inlet42 of the valve 10. Means 70 is shown herein as an actuator assembly 70removably attached to the actuator attachment end 34 of the first bodyportion 30. Actuator assembly 70 comprises a reciprocal plug 72 shownherein as a cylindrical, non-metallic piston 72 sealingly moveablewithin the first lining 50 of the first body portion 30 for selectivelypreventing and allowing fluid flow between the outlet 32 and the inlet42 of the valve 10. In the valve open condition, the reciprocal plug 72is completely removed from the fluid passageway allowing maximized fluidflow through the valve 10. The actuator assembly 70 further comprises amain spring 74, which keeps the valve assembly 10 in a closed position.When the actuator 70 is hydraulically activated, the main spring 74 iscompressed and the piston 72 is retracted, opening the valve assembly10. An indicator rod 76 extends from the end of the actuator assembly 70signaling that the valve assembly 10 is in a valve open condition.Although shown herein as a hydraulically actuated valve, the inventionis not intended to be limited as such, and it is contemplated thatactuation could be accomplished by any standard means such as manual orpneumatic actuation.

The linings 50, 60 form a modular replaceable interlocking liningsystem. The linings 50, 60 are formed of rigid lining materials formedto removably slide into the valve body, and do not need to be molded orbonded to the valve body, as best shown in FIG. 6. The valve 10 isassembled by slidably inserting the first lining 50 into the outlet end32 of the first body portion 30 such that the first lining 50 extendsfrom the outlet end 32 to the actuator attachment end 34 of the firstbody portion 30. Lining 50 is oriented such that aperture 52 is alignedwith the second body portion. Lining 50 includes a lining flange 54 thatregisters against a corresponding recess 38 in the outlet attachmentflange 32 of the first body portion 30 and acts to axially locate thelining 50 in the first valve body portion 30. It is noted that thelining flange 54 extends slightly beyond the outlet end 32 to ensure aproper seal with the lining of the adjacent piping (not shown). Thelining flange 54 can also be used to aid in the removal of the lining 50when the lining 50 is configured as a snug fit with the first bodyportion 30.

The next step is to slidably insert the second lining 60 into the inletend 42 of the second body portion 40 such that the seal 80 on theleading end 62 of the second lining 60 sealingly engages the aperture 52in the first lining 50 such that the second lining 60 extends from thesealed engagement with the first lining 50 to the inlet end 42 of thesecond body portion 40. Lining 60 includes a lining flange 64, whichregisters against a corresponding recess 48 in the inlet attachmentflange 42 of the second body portion 40 and acts to axially locate thelining 60 in the second valve body portion 40. It is noted that thelining flange 64 extends slightly beyond the inlet end 42 to ensure aproper seal with the lining of the adjacent piping (not shown). As withthe first lining 50, the lining flange 64 can also be used to aid in theremoval of the lining 60 when the lining 60 is configured as a snug fitwith the second body portion 40.

The next step involves slidably inserting the piston 72 of the actuatorassembly 70 into the first lining 50 and attaching the actuator 70 tothe actuator attachment end 34 of the first body portion 30. The piston72 sealingly engages the interior of the first lining 50 utilizing aseal 82 on the leading end of the piston 72 and a seal 84 on a trailingend of the piston. Secondary seals 86 can be utilized as desired. It isnoted that piston 72 may utilize a stepped configuration is associationwith a stepped interior of the first lining 50.

The plug or piston 72 may be made of the same material as the linings50, 60. It is also contemplated that the piston 72 may be made of adifferent lining material or of a metallic material that is covered witha lining material.

When the valve 10 needs to be cleaned, or if one or more of the liningsis worn or damaged, or if the installed linings are unsuitable for afluid to be used in the tank 112, the valve assembly 10 can be easilydisassembled and the components cleaned or replaced as needed. Todisassemble the valve assembly 10, the steps are generally the reverseof the assembly (although the order of the removal of the actuatorassembly 70 and the second lining 60 can be reversed). The second lining60 needs to be removed prior to removal of the first lining 50 as thesecond lining helps lock the first lining 50 in position by preventingaxial movement of the lining 50 in the first body portion 30.

Unlike existing valves, the modular nature of the linings of the valveof the present invention allows more rigid materials to be used. Sincemore rigid lining materials can be used, this valve incorporates sealsbetween the lining components, as discussed above, to eliminate coldflow problems. Examples of suitable lining materials include, but arenot intended to be limited to, UHMW Polyethylene, Teflon® (PTFE), PVCand the like. Accordingly, the present invention allows a wider range ofmaterials to be selected with less restriction in comparison to priorart lined valves.

Although the present invention has been described above in detail, thesame is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be takenas a limitation on the present invention.

1. A valve comprising: a valve body comprising a tubular first bodyportion having a first end and a second end, and a tubular second bodyportion affixed to and intersecting the first body portion, the secondbody portion having a first end distal from the first body portion; aunitary, tubular first lining removably positioned in the first bodyportion, the first lining extending from the first end of the first bodyportion to the second end of the first body portion; a tubular secondlining removably positioned in the second body portion, the secondlining sealingly engaging an aperture in the first lining; and anactuator removably attached to the first end of the first body portionor the first end of the second body portion, the actuator comprisingmeans for selectively stopping and allowing fluid flow through thevalve.
 2. The valve of claim 1, wherein the second lining comprises afirst end having at least one annular seal that sealingly engages theaperture in the first lining.
 3. The valve of claim 1, wherein thesecond lining extends from the engagement with the first lining to thefirst end of the second body portion.
 4. The valve of claim 1, whereinthe second body portion is approximately perpendicular to the first bodyportion.
 5. The valve of claim 1, wherein the actuator is removablyattached to the first end of the first body portion, and the means forselectively stopping and allowing fluid flow comprises a pistonsealingly moveable within the first lining for selectively stopping andallowing fluid flow between the first end of the second body portion andthe second end of the first body portion.
 6. The valve of claim 1,wherein the actuator is removably attached to the first end of thesecond body portion, and the means for selectively stopping and allowingfluid flow comprises a piston sealingly moveable within the secondlining for selectively stopping and allowing fluid flow between thefirst end of the first body portion and the second end of the first bodyportion.
 7. The valve of claim 5, wherein the linings and the piston aremade of a non-metallic material.
 8. The valve of claim 5, wherein thelinings and the piston are made of a material selected from the groupconsisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), ultra high molecularweight polyethylene (UHMW), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
 9. The valveof claim 1, wherein the actuator is hydraulically activated.
 10. Thevalve of claim 1, wherein the actuator is manually activated.
 11. Thevalve of claim 1, wherein the actuator is pneumatically activated.
 12. Avalve comprising: a valve body comprising a cylindrical first bodyportion having an outlet end and an actuator attachment end, and acylindrical second body portion affixed to and intersecting the firstbody portion, the second body portion having an inlet end distal fromthe first body portion; a cylindrical first lining removably positionedin the first body portion and extending from the outlet end to theactuator attachment end of the first body portion; a cylindrical secondlining removably positioned in the second body portion, the secondlining sealingly engaging an aperture in the first lining, the secondlining extending from the engagement with the first lining to the inletend of the second body portion; and an actuator removably attached tothe actuator attachment end of the cylindrical first portion, theactuator comprising a cylindrical, piston sealingly moveable within thefirst lining of the first body portion for selectively stopping andallowing fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet.
 13. The valve ofclaim 12, wherein the second lining comprises a first end having atleast one annular seal that sealingly engages the aperture in the firstlining.
 14. The valve of claim 12, wherein the second body portion isapproximately perpendicular to the first body portion.
 15. The valve ofclaim 12, wherein the linings and the piston are made of a non-metallicmaterial.
 16. The valve of claim 12, wherein the linings and the pistonare made of a material selected from the group consisting ofpolytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), ultra high molecular weightpolyethylene (UHMW), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
 17. The valve ofclaim 12, wherein the actuator is hydraulically activated.